In a historic moment for Greece, a Greek novelist and his partner have become the first same-sex couple to be married in Athens' city hall following the recent legalization of same-sex marriage in the country. The civil wedding ceremony was officiated by the mayor of Athens and was attended by over two dozen guests.
The novelist, who writes under the pen name Auguste Corteau, expressed his joy at the event, calling it a dream that they never thought possible in their younger years. He emphasized the symbolism of their marriage, especially for individuals who grew up in Greece during a time when LGBTQ+ individuals faced significant challenges and discrimination.
The legalization of same-sex marriage in Greece was met with mixed reactions, with a cross-party majority of lawmakers supporting the reform despite opposition from the Orthodox Church. While public opinion in Greece leans slightly in favor of same-sex marriage, the Church has strongly opposed the new law, even imposing religious bans on lawmakers who voted for it.
The new law not only allows for same-sex marriage but also grants full parental rights to married same-sex partners with children. However, it prohibits gay couples from pursuing parenthood through surrogate mothers within Greece, a practice currently available to women facing health-related fertility issues.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas hailed the wedding ceremony as a historic moment and encouraged other same-sex couples to follow suit, emphasizing the importance of every citizen being able to live and love freely. The first same-sex wedding under the new law took place in the southern Athens municipality of Nea Smyrni over the weekend.
Greece, as a majority Orthodox Christian country, has now joined the ranks of nations allowing same-sex marriage, marking a significant step forward in LGBTQ+ rights. Nearly a decade ago, Greece legalized same-sex civil unions, and the recent legalization of same-sex marriage represents a further milestone in the country's progress towards equality.
